Chip Is an $18,000 EV That Talks and Drives ItselfMotorTrendChip is here, and before you start laughing, be assured, this is a real vehicle built to address some real-world opportunities. First up, the basics. Chip is an electric vehicle from a new startup called Chip Motors. It has a claimed driving range of 100 miles, and a top speed of 25 mph. It costs about $18,000 and seats up to six full-size adults in its debut configuration, but will also come in four-passenger versions for around $15,000. There will also be models that offer a solid roof and actual doors toaccompany the bodywork, which is made of textured plastic. Lower-priced modelsare also on the horizon. Does it look comically cute or super dorky, dependingon your world view? Yes, it does. Isn't it just an XL golf cart? No, it isn't.Despite Chip Motors' tagline of "the life utility vehicle" (LUV, get it?), Chip is also an LSV or "low-speed vehicle," which is a class of vehicle established and recognized by the federal government.Here Come the AcronymsThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) created the LSV class from its Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 500, which defines an LSV as "a 4-wheeled motor vehicle, other than a truck, whose speed attainable in 1.6 km (1 mile) is more than 32 kilometers per hour (20 miles per hour) and not more than 40 kilometers per hour (25 miles per hour) on a paved level surface."AdvertisementAdvertisementFMVSS 500 also requires the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) not to exceed 3,000 pounds, and that it is fitted with safety equipment, including headlamps and taillamps, turn signals, and reflectors, driver-side mirror, passenger-side or interior rearview mirror, automotive-grade safety glass for the windshield, seat belts for seating position (lap or three-point), and a parking brake. It also requires a 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN). This means that, yes, in most states, LSVs require registration, a driver's license, and insurance to operate on public roads.License plate, registration, driver's license, and insurance are needed to drive Chip on city streets.MotorTrendNot coincidentally, all of the required safety equipment comes standard on Chip, with some optional bling, notably that light-up, animated face in the grille—one that can talk back when you ask it questions. Apparently that's Chip's AI assistant. Chip also offers "ChipGo," a remote driver service that uses human drivers who access and pilot Chip remotely to drive it for short distances, like when parking or coming to pick you up. We didn't get any details on how it all works, but remote operation of vehicles large and small (think drones) isn't an entirely new concept, although this appears to be something of an automotive first.Everything Old is New AgainAll the basic controls are there, including a huge tablet, but no air conditioning. McLaren lawyers may be calling about the logo.MotorTrendAnimated grilles and remote driving may be new features, but LSVs have been around for several decades, as an evolution of consumer usage of golf carts. Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), which was originally a Chrysler company, has been the dominant player in the space since 2001, although traditional golf cart manufacturers Club Cadet and E-Z-Go also offer LSVs with both gas and electric powertrains in the $12,000 to $20,000 price range.Cartoony by DesignChip responds when you talk to it, erm, him. You can also display customized message on that light up grille.MotorTrendWe'll admit, when we first saw a picture of Chip in the invite to its debut event, we thought the whole thing looked, like—well you can't be serious, can you? But then we saw Chip in the, erm, textured plastic, and chatted briefly with Chip Motors founder Jameson Detweiler. We have to admit, he may be on something, while also being onto something. Detweiler's management team consists of veterans of the tech, auto, and space industries, with time at Canoo, Tesla, and NASA.Seats are comfortable, and all six of them have three-point seat belts. What if it rains? You can spec Chip with doors and a roof.MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementIf you think Chip looks like a 'toon car from "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," congratulations; you're old enough to get the movie reference and very likely in the age group of LSV buyers. Chip isn't intended to be the first car anyone buys, but could make sense for people in certain parts of the country, such as Los Angeles or Miami. As Chip Motors' marketing boss told us, "Chip can drive on any public road that has a 35 mph speed limit, and that is 85 percent of Los Angeles." A six-passenger, 100-mile range, electric runabout, that's mostly street legal for $18,000? Chip's face is starting to grow on us. Like Chip? Preorders are open now, and you can reserve a spot for a fully refundable $250 fee. More info at www.chipmotors.com and more details on Chip very soon, and maybe even a drive. Stay tuned.Photo credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: Chip MotorsAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Chip MotorsPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisement